56 CWMP 2013-2014 Winter Field Season Report
3. Look for flagging along the route and near the actual camera location if your
team has elected to place it,
4. If you move camera location for any reason be sure to follow all the relevant
instructions for creating a new camera trap installation including recording the
location on the datasheet you fill out.
Basic Overview of Camera Trap Check
1. Upon arriving, walk in front of the camera and trigger the motion sensor. This
picture will verify that the camera is working and also serve as a reference if
the date/time is incorrect (make sure to record the actual date and time of the
check on your data sheet so that we can match against the date/time on the
photos when we download them in the office in case there is any malfunction
with the camera date/time). If the camera does not trigger, your batteries may
already have died or your memory card is full.
2. Unlock the cable lock with your keys to access the camera.
3. Use the technical instructions for the appropriate camera model to replace the
batteries and memory card, check/set up all of the camera settings (Links to
all models users guides is below and on our website. Hard copies of user
manuals are made available to team leaders and stored in the office.).
4. If applicable for your camera trap, apply lure and install bait according to your
specific sites instructions (Every site has unique directions, be sure to
understand and follow yours). Please remember that a very little amount of
lure goes a long ways, and that too much long can deter animals. Their noses
are much more powerful than ours. If you are applying bait you will receive
specific instructions from our staff and/or advisory council on this. Do not
apply bait at your site unless instructed.
5. Carefully fill out the data sheet with all requested information.
6. Arm the camera to take pictures before leaving the site. Be sure to step in
front of the camera to be sure you capture a "camera check" image which will
act as a reference for the survey period when the camera trap is next
serviced.
After your Camera Trap Check
Email a brief report of your visit to your team leader. If there are any important
news/findings, such as signs of a Level 1 species, problems with the camera or
location, etc… contact your team leader immediately upon return and cc:
alison@conservationnw.org and jwatkins@conservationnw.org If not critical, still
please pass on any information about the site to your team leader. The next team
will greatly benefit from a brief report, including site conditions, what you learned
about animals in the area, topography, hazards, and any outstanding questions.
